David Rossen Thomas, 89, passed away November 9, 2010. He was born December 6, 1920 in Great Falls, Montana to David and Pearl (Askew) Thomas.
David graduated from Cascade High School in 1939 and went on to attend Montana State University in Bozeman. David joined the U.S. Army during World War II and also continued with his college education at the University of Oregon while in the Army.
David was a life-long rancher in the Adel area near Cascade and was an active member of the Farm Bureau at the time of his death. David also enjoyed his work as a leather craftsman.
David is preceded in death by his parents, David Thomas and Edith Thomas. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie (Ian) Steel of Helena, MT; nieces, Kathy Eastman of Tempe, AZ; Linda Fayler of Corvallis, OR; Debra House of Tucson, AZ; and Tanya Lair of Bozeman, MT; nephew, Van Fayler of Afton, Minnesota; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.
Graveside service was held at Manchester Cemetery near Great Falls on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 3:15 p.m.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Janet Henderson says
Dear Bonnie,
I was sorry to learn of Ross’s death. He was a dear man. I met him nearly 10 years ago while walking in Gibson Park, in Great Falls. I can’t remember what caused us to speak to each other, but we soon became friends, as we learned we lived a couple blocks apart on 3rd Ave. N. I only lived there a few years, though, and when my marriage ended and I moved across town, I became overwhelmed by the demands of my new life and soon discontinued my visits to Ross. I’ve thought of him over the past several years since then and missed seeing him.
I was initially amazed by Ross’s dedicated long walks, but as I got to know him, I was more amazed by his interesting and very active mind. Some of his ideas were fascinating to me, and I enjoyed listening to what he thought about. His life on the ranch had taught him to be such a keen observer, and he was an unusual person. I still miss him and am grateful I got to know him while he was in Great Falls.
Ross spoke fondly of you, and I’m sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Janet Henderson
Rita Neilson says
Bonnie and Family
Saw Rossens obit very sorry to hear that he passed away. I know how hard it is with the holidays so close.
Love to all of you
Rita